If your lips are very dry and cracked, start by using a damp washcloth to buff away dead skin, Marmon says. Then apply a layer of petroleum jelly to seal in moisture. She recommends using petroleum jelly on the lips each night before bed and re-upping with lip balm throughout the day as needed.

Winter brings cold winds and lower humidity, which can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. This condition, often referred to as "winter skin," is common as the chilly weather and indoor heating systems exacerbate the loss of hydration from the skin.

The skin serves like the walls of a building, protecting it from outside forces while also keeping everything that belongs on the inside where it should be.